Ruthe Arten

Ruthe Arten, age 94, of Watertown, SD, and formerly of Summit, SD, died on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Prairie Lakes Healthcare in Watertown.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit with Rev. Justin Neugebauer officiating. Burial will follow in the Summit City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church and will continue on Wednesday for one hour prior to the time of service.

Casket bearers will be David Nelson, Lonnie Nelson, Dustin Nelson, Bruce Mallory, Jim Wilson, and John Meidinger. Honorary bearers include Ruthe’s granddaughters: Melissa Meidinger, Mollie Wilson, and Mary Arten.

Ruthe Jane Arten was born on November 30, 1921, to George and Nellie (Hills) Erion. She grew up in Summit, graduating from Summit High School with the class of 1939. On June 18, 1950, Ruthe was united in marriage with Lester Arten in Summit.

To this union, one son was born. Ruthe spent the majority of her working career at People’s State Bank in Summit.

Ruthe was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Summit, serving on the ladies aid as treasurer. She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Ruthe enjoyed crocheting, making countless afghans and baby blankets, and playing card games. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, James (Donna) Arten of Summit, SD; three granddaughters: Melissa (Jon) Meidinger of Aberdeen, SD; Mollie (Jim) Wilson of Sioux Falls, SD; Mary Arten of New Hope, MN; and two great-grandchildren: Taryn Meidinger and Jacob Wilson. Ruthe was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester on June 29, 2007; one brother, Melvin; and two sisters, Fanny and Pearl.